Escape the Goal Trap: Embrace Curiosity and Tiny Experiments with Anne-Laure Le Cunff

In this episode, Victor Strecher discusses purposeful living and strategies to align your values and actions. Vic shares his imperfect journey back to meaning and to living for what matters most after losing his daughter. He explores what it means to be purposeful versus just having a purpose, how energy and vitality play a role in living out our values, and why purpose isn’t just for the privileged.For the first time in over three years, I’ve got a couple open spots in my coaching practice. If you’re a thoughtful business owner, creator, or leader feeling stuck in scattered progress or simmering self-doubt, this might be the right moment. Through my Aligned Progress Method, I help people move toward real momentum with clarity, focus, and trust in themselves. If that speaks to where you are, you can learn more at oneyoufeed.net/align.Key Takeaways:The significance of purpose in life and its impact on well-being.Personal experiences of loss and grief, particularly the impact of losing a loved one on understanding purpose.The distinction between values, purpose, and meaning, and how they interconnect.The role of energy and vitality in living a purposeful life, including factors like sleep, mindfulness, and nutrition.The concept of mortality salience and its influence on identifying core values and priorities.Practical methods for discovering and articulating one’s purpose, such as the headstone test.The accessibility of purpose for everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status.The relationship between purpose and happinessEncouragement for self-reflection and intentionality in daily life to align actions with personal values.If you enjoyed this conversation with Victor Strecher, check out these other episodes:How to Create a Life Strategy for Meaningful Change with Seth GodinHow to Shift Your Emotions: Moving from Chaos to Clarity with Ethan KrossFor full show notes, click here!Connect with the show:Follow us on YouTube: @TheOneYouFeedPodSubscribe on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyFollow us on InstagramSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Anne-Laure Le Cunff, discusses how to go from procrastination to action using the power of tiny experiments. Most advice about self-improvement assumes you know where you’re going, but what if you don’t? Anne-Laure suggests that’s not a flaw, it’s actually the starting point. Her new book, Tiny Experiments, offers a way to explore change without chasing outcomes. In our conversation, we talk about curiosity as a guide, how to stay engaged in uncertainty, and what it means to choose persistence.For the first time in over three years, I’ve got a couple open spots in my coaching practice. If you’re a thoughtful business owner, creator, or leader feeling stuck in scattered progress or simmering self-doubt, this might be the right moment. Through my Aligned Progress Method, I help people move toward real momentum with clarity, focus, and trust in themselves. If that speaks to where you are, you can learn more at oneyoufeed.net/align.Key Takeaways:Importance of curiosity and exploration in personal growthConducting small experiments to challenge the status quoEmbracing uncertainty and learning from emotionsDistinction between passive and active acceptance of challengesThe concept of “field notes” for self-reflection and observationUnderstanding and labeling emotions to reduce anxietyAddressing procrastination through curiosity and explorationThe iterative process of growth loops and adjusting one’s trajectoryThe significance of taking actionable steps in the presentDeveloping mini protocols or “pacts” for personal experimentationIf you enjoyed this conversation with Anne-Laure Le Cunff, check out these other episodes:The Power of Visualization to Achieve Your Goals with Emily BalcetisWhy We Stop Noticing What Matters and How to Feel Alive Again with Tali SharotFor full show notes, click here!Connect with the show:Follow us on YouTube: @TheOneYouFeedPodSubscribe on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyFollow us on InstagramSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Taylor Jacobson discusses the hidden cause of procrastination and how to finally move forward in your life. He explores how transformation rarely feels graceful, how repressed emotions shape our behavior, and what it takes to live a life true to your inner compass. It’s a vulnerable, grounded conversation about fear, reinvention, and creating space for what you actually want to give to the world.For the first time in over three years, I’ve got a couple open spots in my coaching practice. If you’re a thoughtful business owner, creator, or leader feeling stuck in scattered progress or simmering self-doubt, this might be the right moment. Through my Aligned Progress Method, I help people move toward real momentum with clarity, focus, and trust in themselves. If that speaks to where you are, you can learn more at oneyoufeed.net/align.Key Takeaways:Importance of experiencing and releasing emotions for personal growthThe concept of safety in productivity and its impact on focusOverview of Focusmate as a solution for procrastination and accountabilityThe role of community support in overcoming distractions and enhancing productivityThe significance of vulnerability in seeking help and building connectionsThe principles of behavior change, including commitment and accountabilityThe relationship between emotional well-being and productivityThe challenges of transformation and the necessity of aligning with one’s true selfThe exploration of intuition and discernment in navigating emotions and decision-makingIf you enjoyed this conversation with Taylor Jacobson, check out these other episodes:How to Overcome Procrastination with Tim PychylDavid Kadavy on Getting StartedFor full show notes, click here!Connect with the show:Follow us on YouTube: @TheOneYouFeedPodSubscribe on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyFollow us on InstagramSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Sarah Gormley discusses the quiet pain of self-loathing and finding the courage to face it. Sarah had it all – a thriving corporate career, success, and admiration. But beneath was a quiet, relentless self-loathing she couldn’t shake. In her memoir, The Order of Things, Sarah shares the profound turning point at 40 when she finally asked, is this how it’s going to feel forever? She unpacks why therapy isn’t linear, how grief can deepen gratitude, and the freedom that comes when we stop performing and start genuinely living.Feeling stuck? It could be one of the six saboteurs of self-control—things like autopilot, self-doubt, or emotional escapism. But here’s the good news: you can outsmart them. Download the free Six Saboteurs of Self-Control ebook now at oneyoufeed.net/ebook and start taking back control today!Key Takeaways:Journey of self-discovery and self-acceptanceImportance of mental health and therapyStruggles with self-loathing and emotional challengesImpact of grief on personal growth and gratitudeRelationship dynamics and self-worthCaregiving experiences and their emotional complexitiesNavigating grief while supporting othersThe role of compassion in healingTools for managing negative self-talk and thought patternsThe interplay of environment, genetics, and personal agency in shaping identityIf you enjoyed this conversation with Sarah Gormley, check out these other episodes:How to Tame Your Inner Critic with Dr. Aziz GazipuraHow to Practice Self Compassion with Dr. Shauna ShapiroFor full show notes, click here!Connect with the show:Follow us on YouTube: @TheOneYouFeedPodSubscribe on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyFollow us on InstagramSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Tali Sharot explains why we stop noticing what matters and how to start feeling alive again. She describes what habituation is and how our minds normalize what once moved us. Tali also explores ways that we can reawaken joy, purpose, and even moral clarity. It’s an eye-opening look at the subtle ways we lose and then can reclaim our aliveness.Feeling stuck? It could be one of the six saboteurs of self-control—things like autopilot, self-doubt, or emotional escapism. But here’s the good news: you can outsmart them. Download the free Six Saboteurs of Self-Control ebook now at oneyoufeed.net/ebook and start taking back control today!Key Takeaways:Concept of habituation and its effects on emotional responsesImportance of noticing the extraordinary in everyday lifeStrategies for counteracting habituation, such as taking breaks and diversifying experiencesRelationship between habituation and creativityImpact of social media on emotional well-being and habituationExploration of habits and addiction, particularly in relation to social mediaDiscussion on the nature of lying and habituation to dishonestyThe balance between exploration and exploitation in personal experiencesThe complexities of human emotions and expectations, particularly regarding women’s rights and happinessEncouragement to experiment with life choices to enhance well-being and fulfillmentIf you enjoyed this conversation with Tali Sharot, check out these other episodes:How to Stop Losing Your Mind (Literally): The Surprising Science of Attention with Amishi JhaHow to Create Elastic Habits that Adapt to Your Day with Stephen GuiseFor full show notes, click here!Connect with the show:Follow us on YouTube: @TheOneYouFeedPodSubscribe on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyFollow us on InstagramSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You're doing everything right, staying productive, chasing growth, keeping up. But what if the discomfort you feel isn't a sign that you need to do more, but a signal to let go? In this episode, Charlie Gilkey and I explore the Tao Te Ching, which is one of my favorite books of all time, but not as a relic from the past, but as a guide for navigating the speed and complexities of modern life, including the rise of AI.We talk about how ancient wisdom can live side by side with new technology and how presence, simplicity, and inner alignment still matter, now more than ever,The Tao Te Ching is one of those books I keep coming back to. Ancient wisdom, wrapped in poetry, that somehow feels more relevant every year. Like this line: “If you look to others for happiness, you will never be happy. If your well-being depends on money, you will never be content.“Simple. Clear. Actually useful.I’ve teamed up with Rebind.ai to create an interactive edition of the Tao—forty essential verses, translated into plain, everyday language, with space to reflect, explore, and ask questions. It’s like having a conversation not just with the Tao, but with me too. If you’re looking for more clarity, calm, or direction, come check it out here.Key Takeaways:Discussion of the Tao Te Ching, an ancient Chinese text attributed to Lao Tzu.Application of Tao Te Ching, teachings to modern life and contemporary challenges.Exploration of themes such as presence, simplicity, and inner alignment.The balance between engagement and busyness in daily life.The metaphor of feeding the “good wolf” within us and acknowledging both positive and negative aspects of our nature.The significance of flexibility and adaptability in navigating life’s changes.The importance of mental health and accessibility to support systems.Reflection on the “Three Treasures” of the Tao Te Ching: simplicity, compassion, and patience.The role of philosophy in fostering human connection and understanding.Encouragement to embrace the teachings of the Tao Te Ching, for personal growth and fulfillment.If you enjoyed this conversation with Charlie Gilkey, check out these other episodes:How to Get Things Done with Charlie GilkeyEmbrace the Chaos: Finding Clarity Through Meditation with Henry Shukman (Part 1)For full show notes, click here!Connect with the show:Follow us on YouTube: @TheOneYouFeedPodSubscribe on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyFollow us on InstagramSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if the very thing that gives your life meaning is also what's burning you out? That's the paradox. Leah Weiss found herself in teaching compassionate leadership at Stanford. Working with organizations inspired by the Dalai Lama. Doing the kind of work most of us dream of. And yet she was falling apart. In today's conversation, we unpacked the silent erosion of self that can happen even when everything looks right on the outside. Leah shares how burnout crept in under the guise of purpose, why discernment can't be done alone, and how the small act of knitting helped her find her way back to herself. This episode is a map for anyone wondering is it me? Is it the job or is it the world we're trying to survive in?Key Takeaways:The issue of burnout, particularly in the workplace.Personal experiences and challenges related to burnout.The importance of recognizing signs and symptoms of burnout.The concept of discernment in addressing dissatisfaction.Distinction between burnout and compassion fatigue.The role of community and support in navigating burnout.Factors contributing to burnout at individual, team, and organizational levels.The significance of psychological safety and team dynamics.The search for meaning and alignment of personal values in work.The impact of entrepreneurship on well-being, particularly for women founders.If you enjoyed this conversation with Leah Weiss, check out these other episodes:Embracing Emotions at Work with Liz FosslienHow to Deal with Burnout Through Self-Compassion with Kristin NeffFor full show notes, click here!Connect with the show:Follow us on YouTube: @TheOneYouFeedPodSubscribe on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyFollow us on InstagramThe Tao Te Ching is one of those books I keep coming back to. Ancient wisdom, wrapped in poetry, that somehow feels more relevant every year. Like this line: “If you look to others for happiness, you will never be happy. If your well-being depends on money, you will never be content.“Simple. Clear. Actually useful.I’ve teamed up with Rebind.ai to create an interactive edition of the Tao—forty essential verses, translated into plain, everyday language, with space to reflect, explore, and ask questions. It’s like having a conversation not just with the Tao, but with me too. If you’re looking for more clarity, calm, or direction, check it out here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What do a fine dining maitre d. A magician burying cards in a backyard and a toddler looking for Elsa have in common? They all show us that magic still exists. If we’re willing to care more, than seems reasonable. In this episode, Will Guidara, who’s a former co-owner of 11 Madison Park, which was once named the best restaurant in the world, the author of Unreasonable Hospitality and advisor on the hit series The Bear, shares how he transformed a restaurant into the best in the world not through perfection but through moments of radical hospitality. Whether it was sending out hot dogs on fine China or designing hand signals to pour water silently. It was never only about the food, it was about making people feel seen. This is a conversation about joy, about seeing service not as subservience, but as nobility and the kind of creativity that invites connection.The Tao Te Ching is one of those books I keep coming back to. Ancient wisdom, wrapped in poetry, that somehow feels more relevant every year. Like this line: “If you look to others for happiness, you will never be happy. If your well-being depends on money, you will never be content.“Simple. Clear. Actually useful.I’ve teamed up with Rebind.ai to create an interactive edition of the Tao—forty essential verses, translated into plain, everyday language, with space to reflect, explore, and ask questions. It’s like having a conversation not just with the Tao, but with me too. If you’re looking for more clarity, calm, or direction, check it out here.Key Takeaways:The concept of hospitality and its significance in various aspects of life.Insights from the restaurant industry and the transformation of dining experiences.The balance between kindness and excellence in service.The importance of making people feel seen and valued.The idea of “unreasonable hospitality” and exceeding expectations.The role of creativity in building meaningful connections.The impact of self-care and generosity in service roles.Navigating relationships and managing people effectively.The value of criticism as an investment in personal growth.The importance of community and connection in fostering relationships.Will Guidara: Website | Instagram | LinkedInIf you enjoyed this conversation with Will Guidara, check out these other episodes:How to Connect More Deeply With the World with James CrewsHow to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection with Charles DuhiggFor full show notes, click here!Connect with the show:Follow us on YouTube: @TheOneYouFeedPodSubscribe on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyFollow us on InstagramSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In part one of this two-part conversation, we walked along the edge of paradox where effort gives way to ease and the search itself becomes the obstacle. In this second part of my conversation with Zen teacher Henry Shukman, the way begins to reveal itself, not as something we grasp, but something we live. We talk about awakening, the collapse of separation, and what it means to encounter reality directly beyond language, beyond self. And we find ourselves circling the same mystery from different directions, Henry through the Zen path and his app The Way and me through a new project with Rebind, which is a new AI powered dialogue with the Tao Te Ching. Different forms, different longing to meet life more honestly, more fully and more whole.Discover a Deeper Path in Meditation – Looking for more than just another meditation app? The Way, created by Zen teacher Henry Shukman, offers a single, step-by-step journey designed to take you deeper—one session at a time. Get started today with 30 free sessions!The Tao Te Ching is one of those books I keep coming back to. Ancient wisdom, wrapped in poetry, that somehow feels more relevant every year. Like this line: “If you look to others for happiness, you will never be happy. If your well-being depends on money, you will never be content.“Simple. Clear. Actually useful.I’ve teamed up with Rebind.ai to create an interactive edition of the Tao—forty essential verses, translated into plain, everyday language, with space to reflect, explore, and ask questions. It’s like having a conversation not just with the Tao, but with me too. If you’re looking for more clarity, calm, or direction, check it out here.Key Takeaways:Exploration of meditation and mindfulness practices.Insights on the nature of thoughts and their observation during meditation.Importance of a structured approach to meditation.Personal experiences and reflections on meditation journeys.Discussion of the “inner radio” metaphor for understanding thoughts.Techniques for enhancing present-moment awareness through meditation.The significance of variety in meditation practices to cater to individual needs.The role of moderation and balance in personal growth, drawing from the Dao De Jing.The relationship between relative understanding and direct experience in Zen.The transformative potential of embracing uncertainty and interconnectedness in life.Henry Shukman is a poet, author, and meditation teacher who has guided thousands of students from around the world through mindfulness and awakening practices. A Zen master in the Sanbo Zen lineage and the spiritual director emeritus at Mountain Cloud Zen Center in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Henry is a cofounder of The Way meditation app and founder of the Original Love meditation program and has taught meditation at Google and Harvard Business School. Connect with Henry Shukman: Website | InstagramIf you enjoyed this conversation with Henry Shukman, check out these other episodes:Embrace the Chaos: Finding Clarity Through Meditation with Henry Shukman (Part 1)How to Find and Follow a Healing Path with Henry ShukmanFor full show notes, click here!Connect with the show:Follow us on YouTube: @TheOneYouFeedPodSubscribe on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyFollow us on InstagramSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Henry Shukman discusses how to embrace the chaos and find clarity through meditation while exploring themes of self-development and self-love. Henry emphasizes the balance between effort and acceptance in spiritual practice, highlighting the interplay between sudden insights (satori) and gradual progress. He also discuss the importance of understanding one’s motivation for meditation and how a clear “why” can sustain long-term practice. The episode encourages listeners to embrace all aspects of themselves and appreciate the journey of personal growth. Discover a Deeper Path in Meditation – Looking for more than just another meditation app? The Way, created by Zen teacher Henry Shukman, offers a single, step-by-step journey designed to take you deeper—one session at a time. Get started today with 30 free sessions here: www.oneyoufeed.net/theway Key Takeaways: The transformative power of meditation in personal growth. The balance between effort and acceptance in spiritual practice. The relationship between sudden insights (satori) and gradual development in meditation. The importance of understanding one’s motivation and purpose in maintaining a meditation practice. The role of structure in facilitating spiritual growth and practice. The significance of embracing all aspects of oneself, including less desirable traits. The dualities present in spiritual practice, such as self-improvement versus self-acceptance. The concept of “wu wei” or effortless effort in meditation and life. The value of recognizing life as a gift, even amidst challenges. The interplay between various meditation traditions and their contributions to a well-rounded practice If you enjoyed this conversation with Henry Shukman, check out these other episodes: How to Embrace Original Love on the Path to Awakening with Henry Shukman How to Find and Follow a Healing Path with Henry Shukman Effortless Mindfulness with Loch Kelly For full show notes, click here! Connect with the show: Follow us on YouTube: @TheOneYouFeedPod Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Follow us on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.